Joe Ann Smith, Cedar Grove TN – Joe Ann Smith, 91, of Cedar Grove TN, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Her visitation and funeral service will be held Sunday, January 14th from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the sanctuary of Hickory Flat Methodist Church. There will be a graveside committal service at Hickory Flat Methodist Church Cemetery at 4:00pm immediately following the church service.

Born January 29, 1932 in Jackson TN, Joe Ann was the only daughter of Leonard and Hazel Johnson. She was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband of 70 years, Billy Joe Smith. Joe Ann is survived by her brother, Jerry Lee Johnson, and two daughters: Cynthia Gail Smith (James), of Atlanta GA, and Suzanne Smith Hardin (Lee), of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by her nieces Lori Silloway, Carmon Roach, and Christi Ingram, and nephews Jeff Vinson and Lee Johnson, and great nieces, Ashley Johnson Thomas and Lacy Johnson Hehe. Joe Ann was also predeceased by her brother, Gaylon Johnson and sisters-in-law, June Spain Johnson, Shirley Smith Vinson and Joann Carroll.

After high school graduation she attended West Tennessee Business College and worked in Jackson, TN. Soon after that Joe Ann married Bill and they began their life together. Bill served in the US Army which moved them to Ft. Benning, GA. Joe Ann became a mother and homemaker there until they moved back to Tennessee in early 1960's. Bill joined the Shelby County Sheriff's Department and Joe Ann became a District Manager for Avon, Inc. in downtown Memphis. Years later when she retired from Avon, Joe Ann loved being a full time homemaker, school homeroom mother, Girl Scout Leader and Cookie Sales Coordinator, Band Booster President and avid supporter of all "her girls" activities. When they left home for college, she went back to work at Millington East Elementary School as the office assistant. She loved children.

After retirement, in 1987, Bill and Joe Ann returned to Cedar Grove and began a happy retirement life. Joe Ann and Bill were active members of Hickory Flat United Methodist Church. She served as the Adult Sunday School teacher, church treasurer and organizer of numerous church events. She was also active in the community. As President of the first Ladies Auxiliary of Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department, she organized fundraisers such as the very successful sale of "Cookin' With Firemen" cookbook, filled with treasured recipes of the local women of Cedar Grove community. She spent countless days caring for her relatives in the area and those in need. Joe Ann was a devoted wife, loving Mother, Sister and Aunt, always smiling and helping others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her honor to Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 130 Highway 220, Cedar Grove, TN 38321.